On February 19, the French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust announced the finalization of a voluntary land conservation agreement to permanently preserve Drew and Marjorie Alleva’s 20-acre property on Honeysuckle Lane in Charlestown Township in Chester County.

“French & Pickering’s decades-long partnership with Charlestown Township has yielded another conservation success, thanks to the Allevas. Township taxpayers definitely get a return on their investment with the willingness of the Supervisors and landowners to participate in land protection projects,” said Pam Brown, Senior Conservation Advisor for French & Pickering.

This property sits within the High-Quality Pickering Creek Watershed and features a mixture of homesteads, steep slopes, agricultural fields, and rich woodlands.

Under current zoning, three additional lots could be created; however, the easement prohibits all future residential subdivision. The protection of this property also further bolsters the impact of the numerous conserved lands it’s surrounded by.

French & Pickering is grateful for the generosity of the Allevas and their commitment to conservation and the permanent protection and stewardship of their property.

Since its creation by Sam and Eleanor Morris in 1967, the French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust has protected more than 13,600 acres in northern Chester County through purchases, conservation easements and public/private partnerships.

The nonprofit organization works with landowners, townships, foundations and the state and county to purchase and monitor conservation easements, create parkland, and preserve environmentally sensitive land.

As of 2024, French & Pickering has permanently protected 200 properties through the support of municipal partners and landowners.

Related Articles:

-- WeConservePA: Buck Hill Conservation Foundation Protects 687.5 Acres With Metzgars Conservation Easement In Monroe County  [PaEN]

-- ClearWater Conservancy Preserves 100 Acres Of Beaver Branch Property To Enhance Conservation Efforts In Centre County  [PaEN]

-- Western PA Conservancy Protects 97 Acres To Expand Popular Outdoor Recreation Areas In Fayette County  [PaEN]

-- WeConservePA: Lebanon Valley Conservancy Partnered With Brehm Family To Safeguard 78 Acre Farm In Union Twp., Lebanon County  [PaEN]

-- WeConservePA: Heritage Conservancy Preserves 60 Acres Of Land In Bucks County  [PaEN] 

-- Lancaster Conservancy Partners With Graham Family To Protect 56 Acres In York County  [PaEN]

-- French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust Partnered With Alleva Family To Preserve 20 Acres In Chester County  [PaEN]

[Posted: February 19, 2025]

2/24/2025